My childhood collection got thrown to the wind unfortunately (with the exception of merry treats who got used as a Christmas decoration) and I still regret having parted with them to this day! I distinctly remember having the sparkle ponies and a big brother, and a flutter wing pony...and the dream castle of course, Bot the first and second editions! They all got sold off over time...I think I eventually got them all back, but I never made it a priority, I just bought them at flea markets and toy shows and sales as I found them. My mom always called it the 'poor mans' collection as I tried to avoid buying anything for insane prices.
More recently though I've succumbed to eBay and will on occasion, pick up an extra I had as a kid...just because, no other logical reason I can think of.